Furyl-substituted purines and adenosine antagonists

ABSTRACT

Compounds of formula I, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, ##STR1## in which R1 is hydrogen (1-6C)alkyl or (1-4C)alkanoyl; A is --N═CQ--O--, N═CQ--NR 8  --, --N═CQ--CH═N--or --N═CH--CQ═N--; 
     Q is 2--furyl; 
     R 8  is hydrogen or C1-4C)alkyl; 
     and R 2  has any of the meanings given in the specification, processes for preparing the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The compounds are useful as adenosine antagonists.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 07/979,019, filed Nov. 20,1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,509.

This invention concerns heterocyclic compounds and, more particularly,certain furyl-substituted purines, oxazolopyrimidines and pteridineswhich have useful pharmacological properties (and in particularantagonise the actions of adenosine such as vasodilation). The inventionalso includes pharmaceutical compositions containing the heterocycliccompounds for use in treating certain diseases and disorders affectingmammalian cardiac, peripheral and/or cerebral vascular systems. Alsoincluded are processes for the manufacture and formulation of theheterocyclic compounds.

The compound theophylline (1,3-dimethylxanthine) has been usedclinically (usually as its ethylene diamine salt, which is also known asaminophylline) as a respiratory stimulant, a centrally acting stimulant,a bronchodilator, a cardiac stimulant and as a diuretic. This diversityof clinical uses is an indication of the range of pharmacologicalactions which have been attributed to theophylline. These includephosphodiesterase inhibition, adenosine receptor antagonism,mobilisation of intracellular calcium and the release of catecholamines.Recently theophylline has also been reported to be useful in treatingmyocardial ischaemia (Haseri et al., The Lancet, 1989, 683-686),skeletal muscle ischaemia (Picano et al., Angiology, 1989, in press) andcerebral ischaemia (Skinhoj et al., Acta. Neurol. Scand. , 1970, 46,129-140). The beneficial effects of theophylline in these ischaemicdisorders are believed to be due to a reduction or prevention of thephenomenon known as "vascular steal" by virtue of the compound's abilityto antagonise the actions of adenosine by blocking the adenosinereceptors which mediate metabolism-linked vasodilatation.

The "vascular steal" phenomenon can occur when the major arterysupplying a particular vascular bed is partially or totally occludedresulting in ischaemia. In this situation, the compromised vascular beddilates and blood flow is maintained by either an increase in flowacross the narrowed vessel or by an increase in flow through thecollateral vessels. However, increased metabolic activity in adjacentvascular beds results in release of mediators such as adenosine, causingthem to dilate, resulting in the limited blood flow to the compromisedvascular bed being "stolen" by these adjacent areas. The loss of bloodfrom compromised to normally perfused vascular beds by the phenomenon of"vascular steal" further diminishes the blood flow in the compromisedvascular bed.

The diversity of pharmacological properties possessed by theophyllinemake it difficult to use in the regular treatment or prevention ofocclusive diseases and conditions of the vasculature. Thus, itsassociated action as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor results in cardiacstimulation which is deleterious for patients with myocardial ischaemia.Furthermore, the relatively low potency of theophylline means thatdose-levels which are therapeutically useful are close to those whichcan cause serious central side-effects.

Several furyl-substituted purine and pteridine compounds are known. ElKhadem, H. S. and Sindric, R., Carbohydrate Research, 34, (1974),203-207 discloses 6-amino-8-(2-furyl)-1H-purine. This compound wasobtained as a byproduct during the synthesis of certain6-amino-8-hydroxyalkyl-1H-purines. The compound2,4,7-triamino-6-(2-furyl)pteridine (also called furterene) is known asa diuretic.

We have now discovered (and this is a basis for our invention) that agroup of furyl-substituted purines, oxazolo-pyrimidines and pteridinesof formula I defined below are effective antagonists of the actions ofadenosine and in particular of its vasodilatory actions.

According to the invention there is provided a compound of the formula Iset out hereinafter (together with the other formulae appearing in Romannumerals)wherein: R¹ is hydrogen, (1-6C)alkyl, or (1-4C)alkanoyl; R² ishydrogen, cyano or a group of formula R³ X; R³ (when not as hereinbelowdefined together with X) is (3-12C)cycloalkyl, (3-6C)alkenyl,phenyl(3-6C)alkenyl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, optionally substituted(1-6C)alkyl or optionally substituted phenyl, said optionallysubstituted alkyl being unsubstituted or substituted by one of(3-6C)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl,optionally substituted phenyl and a group of formula R⁴ (CO)_(n) X_(a)(CO)_(m) in which R⁴ is (1-6C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, optionallysubstituted phenyl or optionally substituted phenyl(1-4C)alkyl, n and mare each 0 or 1 provided that n+m is 0 or 1, and that when m is 0, X andX_(a) are separated by at least two carbon atoms, X_(a) is oxy, thio,sulphinyl, sulphonyl or an imino group of formula -NRb in which Rb ishydrogen, (1-6C)alkyl or together with R⁴ and the adjacent nitrogen atomforms a 4 to 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring, said optionallysubstituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl being unsubstituted orsubstituted by 1 or 2 of (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy and halogeno, and anyof said optionally substituted phenyl being unsubstituted or substitutedby (1-4C)alkylenedioxy or by 1,2 or 3 of halogeno, cyano,trifluoromethyl, (1- 4C)alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy, hydroxymethyl, amino,(1-4C)alkanoylamino, (1-4C)alkoxymethyl, (1-4C)alkanoyloxy, benzyloxy,halogenobenzyloxy, (1-4C)alkylsulphonylamino,(1-4C)haloalkylsulphonylamino, nitro, and (1-4C)alkyl or alkoxyoptionally bearing a group of formula R⁵ CO in which R⁵ is (1-4C)alkoxy,(3-6C)alkylamino, (3-6C)cycloalkylamino or (N-(1-4C)alkyl)(N-(1-4C)dialkylamino(1-4C)alkyl)amino, and sulphamoyl of formula-SO₂.NR⁶ R⁷ in which R⁶ and R⁷ are independently hydrogen or(1-4C)alkyl, or R⁶ is hydrogen and R⁷ is ((2-5C)alkoxycarbonyl)-(CH₂)q-,carbamoyl(CH₂)q or (N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl)(CH₂)q, in which q is 0 or aninteger of from 1 to 4, or R⁶ is (1-4C)alkyl and R⁷ isdi(1-4C)alkylamino(1-4C)alkyl; and X is a direct bond or oxy, thio,sulphinyl, sulphonyl or an imino group of formula --NRa-- in which Ra ishydrogen, (1-6C)alkyl or together with R³ and the adjacent nitrogen atomforms a 4 to 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring; A is --N═CQ--O--,--N═CQ--NR⁸ --, --N═CQ--CH═N-- or --N═CH--CQ═N--; Q is 2-furyl; and R⁸is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; provided that when R¹ and R² are hydrogenand A is --N═CQ--NR⁸ --, R⁸ is not hydrogen; or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

It will be appreciated that depending on the nature of the substituents,in containing one or more chiral centres, the formula I compounds mayexist in and be isolated in one or more different enantiomeric orracemic forms (or a mixture thereof). It is to be understood that theinvention includes any of such forms which possesses the property ofantagonising the actions of adenosine, it being well known how toprepare individual enantiomeric forms, for example, by synthesis fromappropriate chiral starting materials or by resolution of a racemicform. Similarly, the adenosine antagonist properties of a particularform may be readily evaluated, for example by use of one or more of thestandard in vitro or in vivo screening tests detailed hereinbelow.

It will also be appreciated that the first nitrogen atom in the group A,reading from left to right, is attached to the pyrimidine ring para tothe group R2.

A particular value for R¹ when it is (1-6C)alkyl is, for example,methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl, and when it is (1-4C)alkanoyl is, forexample, formyl, acetyl or propionyl.

An example of a particularly preferred value for R¹ is hydrogen.

A particular value for R³ when it is (3-12C)cycloalkyl is, for example,cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or norbornyl.

A particular value for R³ when it is (3-6C)alkenyl is allyl.

A particular value for R³ when it is phenyl(3-6C)alkenyl is3-phenyl-2-trans-propenyl.

Particular values for R³ when it is 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl include,for example, pyridyl, isoxazolyl or thiadiazolyl.

Particular values for an alkyl group when R³ is optionally substituted(1-6C)alkyl are, for example, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, propyl, butyl,sec-butyl and n-pentyl.

Particular values for optional substituents on alkyl when R³ isoptionally substituted alkyl (such as methyl or ethyl) include, forexample: for (3-6C)cycloalkyl: cyclopropyl; for optionally substituted5- or 6-membered heteroaryl:

for the 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl: furyl, pyridyl or thienyl;

for the optional substituents:

for (1-4C)alkyl: methyl;

for (1-4C)alkoxy: methoxy; and

for halogeno; fluoro, chloro or bromo;

for a group of formula R⁴ (CO)_(n) Xa(CO)_(m) :

for R⁴ : methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl or 4-hydroxybenzyl,

for X_(a) : oxy, thio, NH, methylimino or, together with R⁴, piperidino.

It will be appreciated that when R³ represents the group R⁴(CO)mXa(CO)M, n is 0 when Xa is --NRb, and Rb, together with R⁴ and theadjacent nitrogen atom form a 4 to 6-membered saturated heterocyclicring.

Particular values for optional substituents on an optionally substituted5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring include, for example: for alkyl:methyl or ethyl; for alkoxy: methoxy or ethoxy; and for halogeno:fluoro, chloro or bromo.

Particular values for optional substituents on an optionally substitutedphenyl (for example where R³ is optionally substituted phenyl oroptionally substituted phenyl(1-6C)alkyl) include, for example:

for alkylenedioxy: methylenedioxy;

for halogeno: fluoro, chloro or bromo;

cyano;

trifluoromethyl;

for alkoxycarbonyl: methoxycarbonyl;

hydroxy;

hydroxymethyl;

amino;

for (1-4C)alkanoylamino:acetamido

for (1-4C)alkoxymethyl: methoxymethyl;

for alkanoyloxy: pivaloyloxy;

benzyloxy;

for halogenobenzyloxy: 4-fluorobenzyloxy or 4-chlorobenzyloxy;

for (1-4C)alkylsulphonylamino: methylsulphonylamino;

for (1-4C)haloalkylsulphonylamino: trifluoromethylsulphonylamino;

nitro;

for (1-4C)alkyl or alkoxy optionally substituted by a group of formula

R⁵ CO:

for (1-4C)alkyl: methyl or ethyl;

for (1-4C)alkoxy: methoxy or ethoxy;

for R⁵ :

for (1-4C)alkoxy: methoxy, ethoxy or t-butoxy;

for (3-6C)alkylamino: n-propylamino;

for (3-6C)cycloalkylamino: cyclopentylamino or cyclohexylamino;

for (N-(1-4C)alkyl, N,N-(1-4C)dialkylamino(1-4C)alkylamino: (N-methyl,N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)amino; for sulphamoyl of formula --SO₂ NR⁶ R⁷ :for R⁶ and R⁷ are independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl: --SO₂ NH₂ or--SO₂ N(CH₃)₂ ; for R⁶ is hydrogen and R⁷ is((2-5C)alkoxycarbonyl)(CH₂)_(q) -, carbamoyl(CH₂)_(q) - or(N-1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl)(CH₂)_(q) : R⁷ is methoxycarbonylmethyl,carbamoylmethyl or N-methylcarbamoylmethyl; for R⁶ is (1-4C)alkyl and R⁷is di(1-4C)alkylamino(1-4C)alkyl: R⁶ is methyl and R⁷ isdimethylaminoethyl, dimethylaminopropyl or dimethylaminobutyl.

One of the substituents on a substituted phenyl group is preferably inthe para position.

A particular value for Ra when it is (1-6C)alkyl is, for example, methylor ethyl.

Particular values for X include, for example, oxy, thio, NH, methyliminoor, together with R³, morpholino, thiomorpholino, pyrrolidino,piperidino or azetidino.

Particular values for R⁸ include, for example hydrogen and methyl.

A group of compounds of particular interest consists of those compoundsof formula I wherein:

R¹ is hydrogen;

R² is R³ X

R³ is (1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)alkenyl, pyridyl(1-4C)alkyl or

phenyl(1-4C)alkyl optionally substituted on the phenyl moiety by 1 or 2of halogen, hydroxy, (1-4C)alkanoyloxy, (1-4C)alkyl and

(1-4C)alkoxy;

X is a direct bond, oxy, thio or NH;

A is --N═CQ--O--, --N═CQ--NR⁸ --, --N═CQ--CH═N-- or --N═CH--CQ═N--;

Q is 2-furyl; and

R⁸ is hydrogen or methyl;

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Of this group of compounds, those wherein R² is a 4-chlorobenzyl,2-phenylethyl, 2-phenylethylamino, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylamino,2-(4-methylphenyl)ethylamino, 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylamino or2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamino are especially preferred.

Particular pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, for example, saltswith acids affording physiologically acceptable anions, for example,salts with strong acids, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulphuric,phosphoric, methanesulphonic and trifluoracetic acids. In addition, forthose compounds of formula I which are sufficiently basic, suitablesalts include, for example, salts with organic acids affording aphysiologically acceptable anion such as salts with oxalic, citric ormaleic acid. Certain compounds of formula I, for example those in whichR² comprises a phenol group, may form base salts with bases affordingphysiologically acceptable cations, such as alkali metal and alkalineearth metal salts.

Specific compounds of the formula I which are of interest are describedhereinafter in the accompanying examples, and the pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid-addition salts thereof, and these are provided as afurther feature of the invention.

The compounds of formula I may be manufactured using proceduresanalogous to those well known in the arts of heterocyclic and organicchemistry for the production of structurally analogous compounds. Suchprocedures are included as a further feature of the invention andinclude the following preferred procedures for the manufacture of acompound of the formula I in which R¹, R², X, A and Q have any of themeanings defined above:

(a) A compound of formula II in which Z¹ is a suitable leaving group,for example halogeuo (such as chloro or bromo) is reacted with acompound of formula R¹ NH₂.

The process is conveniently effected at a temperature in the range of,for example, from 0° to 120° C. Suitable solvents for the processinclude alcohols such as ethanol or isopropanol, and ethers such astetrahydrofuran. When R¹ is hydrogen, it is particularly convenient toemploy a solution of ammonia in an alcohol, such as ethanol orisopropanol, at ambient temperature.

(b) Reacting a compound of formula III or a salt thereof with a compoundof formula IV or a salt thereof, in which either R⁹ is a leaving group(such as (1-4C) alkoxy, for example ethoxy) and X¹ is 0 or NH, or R⁹ isCHO and X¹ is NH, and X² is O, S or NH.

The reaction may conveniently be performed in the presence of a solventsuch as an alcohol (for example ethanol), a tertiary amine (for examplepyridine) or a halogenated hydrocarbon, (for example chloroform).Preferably it is performed in the presence of a base, such as a tertiaryamine (for example dimethylaminopyridine or pyridine). The temperatureat which the reaction is performed is conveniently in the range of from25° to 150° C., for example from 60° to 100° C.

When using fural-2-glyoxal as the compound of formula IV to prepare acompound of formula I in which A is --N═CH--CQ═N-- or --N═CQ--CH═N--,the solvent conveniently comprises ethanol and water.

When a compound of formula I in which A is --N═CQ--CH═N-- is desired,the reaction is preferably performed in the presence of an acid, forexample a mineral acid such as sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid.

(c) For the preparation of a compound of Formula I which A is--N═CQ--O-- or --N═CQ--NR⁸ -- cyclising a compound of formula V in whichone of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is hydrogen and the other is a group of formulaC(═X⁴)Q in which X³ is O or NH, and X⁴ is O, S or NH.

The compound of formula V may conveniently be cyclised by treatment witha dehydrating agent, for example phosphorus pentoxide or phosphorusoxychloride. The cyclisation may be performed in the presence or absenceof a solvent, conveniently at a temperature in the range of from 0° to150° C., for example from 50° to 120° C.

(d) For the preparation of a compound of formula I in which A is--N═CQ--NR⁸ -- and R⁸ is (1-4C)alkyl, reacting a corresponding compoundof formula I in which R⁸ is hydrogen with an appropriate alkylatingagent.

The alkylating agent may be a conventional alkylating agent such as a(1-4C)alkyl halide or di(1-4C)alkyl sulphate. The reaction isconveniently performed in the presence of a base, such as an alkalimetal carbonate or hydroxide (for example, potassium carbonate).Suitable solvents for the reaction include amides (for exampledimethylformamide), ethers (for example tetrahydrofuran) and alcohols(for example ethanol). The temperature at which the reaction isperformed is conveniently in the range of from 0° to 100° C.

(e) Reacting a compound of formula VI with an amidine of formula VII or,for a compound where R² is cyano, a cyanogen halide and an alkali metalcyanide.

The reaction may conveniently be performed in the presence of a solventsuch as an amide (for example dimethylformamide), and at at temperaturein the range of from 25° to 150° C., for example from 60° to 120° C. Thereaction may conveniently be performed in the presence of a strong base,for example an alkali metal alkoxide such as potassium t-butoxide.

(f) For a compound of formula I in which X is O, S or NR_(a), reacting acompound of formula VIII in which Z² is a leaving group such as a(1-4C)alkylsulphonyl group (for example methylsulphonyl) with a compoundof formula R³ XH or a salt thereof.

The reaction may conveniently be performed in the presence of a solventsuch as a nitrile (for example acetonitrile), an ether (for examplet-butyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran or 1,2-dimethoxyethane) or anamide (for example dimethylformamide), and at a temperature in the rangeof from 10° to 120° C., for example from 30° to 80° C. The reaction ispreferably performed under basic conditions, which may be provided bythe inherent basicity of the compound of formula R3XH or a salt thereof,or by a base such as a tertiary amine, for example pyridine ortriethylamine, or an alkali metal alkoxide, for example sodium ethoxide.

It will be appreciated that those compounds in which R¹ is other thanhydrogen may also be obtained by carrying out a conventional alkylationor acylation of the corresponding formula I compound in which R¹ ishydrogen obtained by one of processes (a)-(f) above.

It will also be appreciated that those compounds of formula I in whichR³ contains an acyloxy group, for example where R³ is(1-4C)alkanoyloxyphenyl or (1-4C)alkanoyloxyphenyl(1-6C)alkyl, may beprepared by acylating the corresponding compounds of formula I in whichR³ comprises a hydroxy group, as for example where R³ is hydroxyphenylor hydroxyphenyl(1-4C)alkyl. The acylation may be conducted by reactionwith any conventional acylating agent, for example a (1-4C)alkanoylhalide or (1-4C)alkanoic acid anhydride.

Whereafter, when a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is required, it maybe obtained, for example, by reacting a compound of formula I with theappropriate acid or base affording a physiologically acceptable ion oranother conventional procedure.

Similarly, when an optically active form of a chiral compound of formulaI is required, either one of processes (a)-(f) above may be carried outusing the appropriate optically active starting material or else aracemic form may be resolved by a conventional procedure, for example,using an optically active form of a suitable acid.

The starting materials used in the processes according to the inventionare either known or may be prepared using techniques well known in thearts of heterocyclic and organic chemistry.

Thus the compounds of formula II in which Z¹ represents a halogen atommay be prepared from a compound of formula IX in which R¹² represents ahydrogen atom or an alkoxy group (for example ethyl) and R¹³ and R¹⁴ areas defined for R¹⁰ and R¹¹ above according to the method of process (c)above, but using as the dehydrating agent a reagent which is also ahalogenating agent, for example phosphorus oxychloride. The reaction maybe performed in the presence or absence of a solvent (such asdimethylformamide) at a temperature in the range of from 0° to 150° C.

The compounds of formula III may be prepared by reacting a compound offormula X with a reducing agent, for example sodium dithionite,conveniently in the presence of a solvent such as aqueous ethanol.Compounds of formula III in which R² represents a group capable offunctioning as a leaving group, for example a (1-4C)alkylthio group(such as methylthio) may also be converted into other compounds offormula III by reaction with a nucleophilic compound of formula R³ XHwhere X is, for example, NH. The reaction may conveniently be performedin the presence of a solvent such as water at a temperature in the rangeof from 40° to 120° C.

The compounds of formula V in which one of R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is a group offormula C(═X⁴)Q may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula IIIwith a compound of formula IV in which R⁹ is a leaving group such as ahalogen atom (for example a chlorine atom). The reaction is convenientlyperformed in the presence of a solvent such as chloroform and in thepresence of a base such as triethylamine. The temperature at which thereaction is performed is conveniently in the range of from 0° to 100° C.Compounds of formula V in which R² represents a group capable offunctioning as a leaving group, for example a (1-4C)alkylthio group(such as methylthio) may also be converted into other compounds offormula V by reaction with a nucleophilic compound of formula R³ XHwhere X is, for example, NH. The reaction may conveniently be performedin the presence of a solvent such as water at a temperature in the rangeof from 40° to 120° C.

The compounds of formula VI may be prepared by conventional methods. Forexample, the compounds of formula VI in which A is --N═CQ--CH═N-- may beprepared according to the method described in J. Het. Chem., 25,1737-1740, 1988.

The compounds of formula VIII may be prepared by methods analagous tothose which may be used to prepare compounds of formula

I. Compounds of formula VIII in which Z² represents a(1-4C)alkylsulphonyl group may be prepared by reacting a compound offormula I in which R² represents a (1-4C)alkylthio group with anoxidising agent such as peracetic, perbenzoic or chloroperbenzoic acid.The oxidation may conveniently be performed in the presence of a solventsuch as dichloromethane at a temperature in the range of from 0° to 40°C.

The compounds of formula IX may be prepared by reacting a compound offormula VII with a compound of formula (R¹⁵ OOC)CHNHCOQ in which R¹⁵ isa (1-4C)alkyl group such as ethyl, or with a compound of formula XII(preparable by reacting a compound of formula (R¹⁵ OOC)CHNHCOQ with adehydrating agent such as phosphorus pentoxide supported on silicondioxide). The reaction is conveniently performed in the presence of abase, such as sodium methoxide or potassium carbonate, and a solventsuch as dimethylformamide. The temperature at which the reaction isperformed is conveniently in the range of from 25° to 120° C.

The compounds of formula X may be prepared by reacting a compound offormula XI with an alkali metal nitrite in the presence of an acid suchas hydrochloric acid. The reaction is conveniently performed in thepresence of a solvent such as aqueous ethanol at a temperature in therange of from 25° to 100° C. The compounds of formula X may also beprepared by reacting a compound of formula VII with an appropriateoxime. For example, a compound in which X is 0 may be prepared usingNCC(COOEt)═NOH as the oxime.

Certain of the starting materials used in the processes according to theinvention are believed to be novel, for example the compounds offormulae II and VIII, and these are provided as further aspects of theinvention.

As stated above, the compounds of formula I possess the property ofantagonising one or more of the physiological actions of adenosine andare valuable in the treatment of diseases and medical conditionsaffecting the mammalian cardiac, peripheral and/or cerebral vascularsystems, such as ischaemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease(claudication) and cerebral ischaemia. The compounds may also be usefulin the treatment of migraine.

The effects of compounds of formula I as adenosine receptor antagonistsmay be demonstrated in one or more of the following standard in vitroand/or in vivo tests.

(a) A₂ Adenosine receptor affinity test

This test involves the ability of a test adenosine antagonist todisplace the known adenosine mimetic agent [³H]-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) from binding sites on membranepreparations derived from the rat phaeochromocytoma cell line PC 12(available from the Beatson Institute, Glasgow). The basic procedure hasbeen described by Williams et al. (J. Neurochemistry, 1987, 48(2),498-502).

The membrane preparation is obtained as follows: Frozen pellets of PC12cells are washed twice with ice cold, buffered, physiological saline andthe cells recovered by centrifugation (1500 G) at 3° C. The separatedcells are then suspended in hypotonic solution (distilled water),allowed to stand on ice for 30 minutes and are then carefullyhomogenized using a standard high-speed homogeniser with periodicice-cooling to obtain a fine suspension. The homogenate is centrifuged(48000 G) and the pellet is resuspended in 50 mM tris-HCl buffer, pH 7.4containing adenosine deaminase (5 units/ml, Type VII from calfintestinal mucosa, available from Sigma Chemical Corporation, underreference no. A1280). The mixture is then incubated at 37° C. After 20minutes, the reaction is terminated by dilution with ice-cold buffer andtransfer onto ice. The material obtained containing the cell membranesis recovered by centrifugation and washed by resuspension in buffer andrecentrifugation. The pellet produced is then resuspended in ice-coldbuffer using a hand-driven homogenizer. The resultant membranesuspension is frozen and stored under liquid nitrogen until required.

Binding studies are carried out in microtitre plates, the assay mixturesbeing buffered in 50 mM tris-HCl, pH 7.4 at room temperature. The testcompound is dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and then dilutedwith assay buffer to give the test solutions. [The final concentrationof DMSO is not allowed to exceed 1% by volume, at which level it doesnot affect radioligand binding to the membrane receptor.] Incubationsare performed at 30° C. for 90 minutes in a total volume of 150 μlcomprising the test solution or buffer (50 μl ), tritiated NECA (50 μl)and membrane suspension (50 μl). After incubation, the samples arerapidly filtered over glass-fibre mats and the filter mats are washed toremove non-receptor-bound radioligand. Receptor-bound radioligandentrapped on the filter mats is then determined by liquid scintillationcounting. Filtration and washing are carried out using a conventionalvacuum filtration cell harvester. The specific binding (defined as thedifference between the total binding and the non-specific binding) inthe presence of the particular test compound is determined and comparedwith the control value. Results are conveniently expressed as thenegative logarithm of the concentration required to cause a 50%displacement of control specific binding (pIC₅₀).

In general, compounds of the formula I showing antagonist activity inthis assay typically show a pIC₅₀ in the above test (a) of 6 or more.Thus for example, the compound of Example 1 herein showed a 78%displacement of control binding at a concentration of 10⁻⁵ M and 59%displacement at 10⁻⁷ M, indicating a pIC₅₀ of greater than 7. Using thesame test procedure, the known compound 1,3-dimethylxanthine typicallyshows a pIC₅₀ of about 5.

(b) Guinea-pig Atrial Bradycardic Test

This test has also been described by Collis et al. (British J.Pharmacolog, 1989, 97, 1274-1278) and involves the ability of a testcompound to antagonise the bradycardic effect of the adenosine mimetic,2-chloroadenosine, in a beating guinea-pig atrial preparation, an effectmediated via the adenosine receptor known as A₁.

The atrial pair preparation may be obtained as follows: Atrial pairs areobtained from guinea-pigs (Dunkin Hartley strain, 250-400 g males) andmounted in organ baths containing oxygenated Krebs buffer solution (95%O₂ ; 5% CO₂) at 37° C. The spontaneously beating atria are then placedunder a resting tension of 1 g and allowed to equilibrate for 50 minuteswith continuous overflow. Overflow is then stopped and adenosinedeaminase (1 Unit ml) added to prevent the accumulation of endogenouslyproduced adenosine. After equilibration for 15 minutes, a cumulativedose response curve to the adenosine mimetic, 2-chloroadenosine (10⁻⁸ Mto 10⁻⁴ M) is administered to produce a maximal slowing of atrial rate.After washout during 30 minutes, adenosine deaminase is readministeredto the bath which is allowed to equilibrate for 15 minutes. A 10⁻⁵ Msolution of the test compound in DMSO is then added to the bath which isleft to incubate for 30 minutes. Any effect on the beating rate due tothe test compound is noted before the dose response curve to2-chloroadenosine is repeated. Compounds which are adenosine antagonistsattenuate the 2-chloroadenosine response.

Test compounds are assessed by comparing dose response curves to2-chloroadenosine alone with those obtained in the presence of thecompound. Competitive adenosine antagonists produce a parallel shift inthe 2-chloroadenosine dose response curve. The dose ratio (DR) iscalculated from the ratio of the concentration of 2-chloroadenosine toproduce a 50% reduction in atrial rate (ED₅₀) in the presence of thetest compound divided by the ED₅₀ concentration of 2-chloroadenosine inthe absence of the test compound for each atrial pair. The pA2, which isan estimate of the concentration of antagonist required to give a doseratio of 2, may be calculated using a standard computational technique.In this test, the known compound, 1,3-dimethylxanthine, typically showsa pA2 of about 5.

(c) Anaesthetised cat blood pressure Test

This test assesses the ability of a test compound to antagonise the fallin diastolic blood pressure produced by administration of the adenosinemimetic, 2-chloroadenosine.

Male cats (2-3 kg) are anaesthetised with sodium pentobarbitone (45mg/kg, ip). The following blood vessels are catheterised: right jugularvein (for infusion of the anaesthetic at approximately 7 mg/kg per houras a 3 mg/ml solution in isotonic saline), the left jugular vein (foradministration of test agents) and the right common carotid artery (formonitoring blood pressure and pulse rate). The blood gas status and pHare determined, and are maintained within physiological limits, beforeadministration of 2-chloroadenosine. A control dose response curve (DRC)to 2-chloroadenosine (0.3 to 30 μg/kg) against the fall in diastolicblood pressure is determined. A solution of the test compound in amixture of 50% v/v polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and 0.1M sodiumhydroxide is then administered i.v. and after 15 minutes the DRC to2-chloroadenosine is determined. This procedure is repeated twice withblood gases and pH being monitored and maintained within physiologicallimits between each DRC. The concentration of 2-chloroadenosine requiredto cause a 30 mm Hg fall in diastolic blood pressure is then calculatedfor each dose of test compound and a Schild plot constructed for thosewhich produce a dose ratio (DR) of >2. From this plot a K_(B) value isdetermined. Test compounds which are active in this test will possess aK_(B) value of 1 mg/kg (or much less).

The above Test (c) may conveniently be modified to allow evaluation oforally administered test compounds by administering the test compound toconscious cats with indwelling arterial and venous catheters andmeasuring the effect in preventing an adenosine induced decrease inblood pressure. Test compounds which are orally active in this test willshow significant adenosine antagonist activity at a dose of 1 -3 mg/kgor less.

(d) Anaesthetised dog Test

This test involves the assessment of the effects of a test compound onantagonising the actions of adenosine in lowering heart rate andproducing vasodilation (as measured by a fall in hind-limb perfusionpressure).

Beagles (12 -18 kg) are anaesthetised with sodium pentobarbitone (50mg/kg, iv). The following blood vessels are catheterised: right jugularvein (for infusion of the anaesthetic at approximately 112 mg per houras a 3 mg/ml solution in isotonic saline), right brachial vein (foradministration of drugs and test agents), right brachial artery (formeasurement of systemic blood pressure and pulse rate) and the leftcarotid artery (for administration of adenosine into the leftventricle). Both vagi, the right femoral and sciatic nerves are ligatedand severed. A bolus injection of 1250 U heparin is administered beforeperfusing the right hindlimb at constant blood flow with blood from theiliac artery. The right leg is tied Just below the ankle. Xamoterol (1mg/kg) is then administered to the animal to stabilise heart rate at ahigh level and nitrobenzylthiotnosine (NBTI, 0.5 mg/kg) to inhibit theuptake of adenosine. The animal is sensitised to adenosine during theequilibration time following NBTI by carrying out a dose response curve(DRC). During this time any blood gas or pH imbalance is corrected. Acontrol DRC is performed followed by up to three DRC's after cumulativeadministration of the test compound (as described in (d) above). EachDRC is carried out 15 minutes after administration of test compound andafter the measured parameters of heart rate and hindlimb perfusionpressure have returned to a stable state. Similarly, blood gases and pHare maintained within physiological limits throughout the evaluation.

The amount of adenosine required to cause a 50% fall in measuredparameter (ED₅₀) i.e. heart rate and hindlimb perfusion pressure iscalculated for each does of test compound and a Schild plot constructed.From this plot a K_(B) value is determined for antagonism of heart rateresponse and vasodilator response to adenosine. Test compounds which areactive in this test will possess a K_(B) value of 1 mg/kg (or much less)for vasodilator response to adenosine.

(e) Anaesthetised cat exercise hyperaemia test

This test involves assessment of the effect of a test compound toantagonise the vasodilatation response which occurs during twitchcontraction of skeletal muscle. The vasodilation is mediated partly bythe release of endogenous adenosine from the contracting skeletalmuscle.

Cats (2.4-3.6 kg) are anaesthetised with sodium pentobarbitone (50mg.kg⁻¹ ip). The following blood vessels are catheterized: left jugularvein (for infusion of anaesthetic, at approximately 0.12 mg⁻¹ min⁻¹ as a6 mg.ml⁻¹ solution in isotonic saline), right external Jugular vein (foradministration of drugs and test compounds), right common carotid artery(for measurement of systemic arterial blood pressure and pulse rate) andright brachial artery (for withdrawal of blood).

Blood flow to the left hind limb is measured with an electromagneticflow probe around the left external iliac artery. The whole of the lefthind limb is made to contract at 3 Hz for 20 minutes duration bystimulating the sciatic and femoral nerves. Active tension produced bythe extensor digitorum longus and peroneous longus muscles is measuredisometrically with a force transducer. Exercise is repeated twice withinthe same animal, in either the absence or presence of the test compound.Test compounds are assessed for their ability to reduce thevasodilatation during skeletal muscle contraction. Test compounds whichare active in this test will show significant inhibition of vasodilationduring exercise at a dose of 1 mg/kg (or much less).

The compounds of the invention are generally best administered towarm-blooded animals for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes in thetreatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases and adverseconditions in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, ina mixture or together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent orcarrier. Such compositions are provided as a further feature of theinvention.

In general, it is envisaged that a compound of formula I will beadministered orally, intravenously or by some other medically acceptableroute (such as by inhalation, insufflation, sub-lingual or transdermalmeans) so that a dose in the general range, for example, 0,001 mg to 10(and more particularly in the range, for example, 0.05 to 5 mg/kg) mg/kgbody weight is received. However, it will be understood that the precisedose administered will necessarily vary according to the nature andseverity of the disease or condition being treated and on the age andsex of the patient.

A composition according to the invention may be in a variety of dosageforms. For example, it may be in the form of tablets, capsules,solutions or suspensions for oral administration; in the form of asuppository for rectal administration; in the form of a sterile solutionor suspension for administration by intravenous or intramuscularinjection; in the form of an aerosol or a nebuliser solution orsuspension, for administration by inhalation; in the form of a powder,together with pharmaceutically acceptable inert solid diluents such aslactose, for administration by insufflation; or in the form of a skinpatch for transdermal administration. The compositions may convenientlybe in unit dose from containing, for example, 5-200 mg of the compoundof formula I or an equivalent amount of a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof.

The compositions may be obtained by conventional procedures usingpharmaceutically acceptable diluents and carriers well known in the art.Tablets and capsules for oral administration may conveniently be formedwith an enteric coating (such as one based on cellulose acetatephthalate) to minimise the contact of the active ingredient of formula Iwith stomach acids.

The compositions of the invention may also contain one or more agentsknown to be of value in the diseases or conditions of thecardiovasculature intended to be treated. Thus, they may contain, inaddition to the compound of formula I, for example: a known plateletaggregation inhibitor, prostanoid constrictor antagonist or synthaseinhibitor (thromboxane A₂ antagonist or synthase inhibitor),cyclooxygenase inhibitor, hypolipidemic agent, anti-hypertensive agent,inotropic agent, beta-adrenergic blocker, thrombolytic agent or avasodilator.

In addition to their use in therapeutic medicine, the compounds offormula I are also useful as pharmacological tools in the developmentand standardisation of test systems for the evaluation of newcardiovascular agents in laboratory animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits,monkeys, rats and mice.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limitingExamples in which, unless otherwise stated:-

(i) evaporations were carried out by rotary evaporation in vacuo;

(ii) operations were carried out at room temperature, that is in therange 18°-26° C.;

(iii) flash column chromatography or medium pressure liquidchromatography (MPLC) was performed on silica gel [either FlukaKieselgel 60 (catalogue no. 60738) obtained from Fluka AG, Buchs,Switzerland, or Merck Kieselgel Art. 9385, obtained from E Merck,Darmstadt, Germany];

(iv) yields are given for illustration only and are not necessarily themaximum attainable by diligent process development;

(v) proton NMR spectra were normally determined at 200 MHz in deuterateddimethyl sulphoxide as solvent, using tetramethylsilane (TMS) as aninternal standard, and are expressed as chemical shifts (delta values)in parts per million relative to TMS using conventional abbreviationsfor designation of major peaks: s, singlet; m, multiplet; t, triplet;br, broad; d,doublet; q,quartet; and

(vi) all end-products were characterised by microanalysis, NMR and/ormass spectroscopy.

EXAMPLE 1

7-chloro-2-(2-furyl)-5-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine(0.5 g) and ammonium chloride (0.1 g) were added to a saturated solutionof ammonia in ethanol (20 ml) and sealed in a Caries tube. The sealedtube was then heated at 100° C. for 18 hours. The cooled reactionmixture was poured into water (200 ml) and the resultant precipitateremoved by filtration. The solid was recrystallised from methanol toafford7-amino-2-(2-furyl)-5-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]asino-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine(0.23 g, 48.6%), m.p. 194°-196° C.; microanalysis, found: C, 61.5; H,4.8; N, 19.5%; C₁₈ H₁₇ N₅ O₃ requires: C, 61.5; H, 4.9; N, 19.9%; NMR(DMSO-d⁶); 2.76 (t,2H ArCH₂), 3.44(brq 2H, CH₂ NH), 3.72(s,3H,OMe),6.70(m,1H furyl-H), 6.28(brs, 1H NH), 6.84(d, 2H, ArH), 7.13 (complex,5H ArH, NH₂ furyl-H), 7.89(m,1H, furyl-H); m/e [M+H]⁺ 352.

The required starting material was prepared as follows:-

1) [(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino]propanedioic acid, diethyl ester (123 g,457 mM) was added to a stirred mixture of 2-methyl-2-thio-pseudoureasulphate (63.8 g, 229 mM) and sodium methoxide (25% w/w) (105 ml), inmethanol (500 ml).

The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 hrs, then heatedunder reflux for 24 hours. Further sodium methoxide solution (260 ml)was added and the mixture refluxed for a further 24 hours, cooled,poured into water and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid toPH<3. The mixture was then cooled to 0° C. for 4 hours and the resultantprecipitate separated by filtration. The solid was washed with methylenechloride, then acetone, and air-dried. Further purification was achievedby suspension in hot water for 0.5 hours. The solid was filtered off anddried at 70° C. for 15 hours in a vacuum oven. This gave4,6-dihydroxy-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-2-methylthiopyrimidine (22.5 g)as a white solid (yield 18.5%) m.p. 124°-125° C. NMR: NaOD; 2.66(s,3H,SMe), 4.04(s,1H,NH), 6.83(m, 1H, furyl-H), 7.39(d,1H, furyl-H),7.88(m,1H, furyl-H); m/e [M+NH₄ ]⁺ 285:

2) A mixture of4,6-dihydroxy-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-2-methylthiopyrimidine (2 g,7.5 mM), p-methoxyphenethylamine (3.4 g, 22.5 mH), and water (25 ml) washeated at 90° C. for 15 hours. The mixture was then poured into water(100 ml) and acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid until PH<3.The resultant precipitate was removed by filtration and recrystallisedfrom methanol/water (3:1) to afford4,6-dihydroxy-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-2-[(4-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl]aminopyrimidineas a white solid (0.46 g, 16.6% yield) m.p >250° C.; NMR: DMSO-d⁶ :2.75(t,2H,ArCH₂), 3.47(brq,2H,CH₂ NH), 3.73 (s,3H, OMe), 6.50(brs, 1H,NH), 6.61(m, 1H,furyl-H), 6.87(d,2H,ArH), 7.16(d,2H,ArH), 7.17(s,1Hfuryl-H), 7.82(d,1H,furyl-H), 8.64(brs,1H,NHCO), 10.58(brs,2H,OH ×2);m/e [M+H]⁺ , 371:

3) A mixture of4,6-dihydroxy-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-2-[(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]aminopyrimidine(408 mg) and phosphorus oxychloride (5 ml) was heated at 90° C. for 3hours. The excess phosphorus oxychloride was removed by evaporation, invacuo, and then by azeotroping with toluene (2×50 ml). The residue wasadded to water and the resultant precipitate filtered off, washed withwater and dried. There was thus produced7-chloro-2-(2-furyl)-5-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]aminooxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine (340 mg, 83.2% yield); m.p.169.5°-171° C.:NMR:DMSO-d⁶ : 2.80(t,2H,ArCH₂), 3.48(q,2H, CH₂ NH), 3.72(s, 3H, OMe),6.80(m, 1H, furyl-H), 6.85(d,2H,ArH), 7.16(d,2H,ArH),7.44(d,1H,furyl-H), 8.07(m, 1H, furyl-H), 8.13(brs,1H,NH).

EXAMPLE 2

7-Amino-5-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-2-(2-furyl)-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidinewas prepared using a procedure similar to that described in Example 1,as a white solid (recrystallised from methanol/hexane); m.p. 155°-158°C.; microanalysis, found: C.59.4; N, 5.0; N, 18.4%; C₁₉ H₁₉ N₅ O₄requires: C, 59.8; H,5.0; N, 18.4%; NMR (DHSO-d⁶); 2.77(t, 2H, ArCH₂),3.45(q, 2H, CH₂ NH), 3.72(s, 3H, OMe), 3.75(s, 3H, OMe), 6.70(complex,5H, NH, 3×ArH, furyl-H), 7.14(d, 1H, furyl-H), 7.18(brs, 2H, NH₂),7.92(m, 1H, furyl-H); m/e, [M+H]⁺, 382:

The required starting materials were prepared as in Example 1. This gave4,6-dihydroxy-2-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-amino-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)pyrimidine(45.6% yield) m.p. >250° C.: NHR: DMSO-d⁶ : 2.76(t, 2H, ArCH₂), 3.49(q,2H, NHCH₂), 3.72(s, 3H, OMe), 3.75(s, 3H, OMe), 6.47(brs, 1H, NHCH₂),6.61(m, 1H, furyl-H), 6.76(d,1H,Ar-H), 6.86(m,2H, Ar-H) 7.17(d,1H,furyl-H), 7.82(brs, 1H, furyl-H), 8.64(s,1H, NHCO), 10. 62(brs, 2H,2×OH); m/e, [M+H]⁺ , 401:

7-chloro-5-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-2-(2-furyl)-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine(78% yield) m.p. 176°-177° C.: NMR; DMSO-d⁶); 2.80(t,2H, ArCH₂), 3.51(q,2H, CH₂ NH), 3.71(s, 3H, OMe), 3.74(s, 3H, OMe), 6.78(complex, 4H,3×ArH, furyl-H), 7.43(d,1H, furyl-H), 8.06(m, 1H, furyl-H), 8.13(brs,1H, NH) m/e [M+H]⁺ 401.

EXAMPLE 3

7-amino-5-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-(2-furyl)-oxazolo[5,4-d]-pyrimidine wasprepared in a manner similar to that described in Example 1 except thatno sealed tube was required and the reaction was carried out at ambienttemperature using ammonia in isopropanol for 15 hours. The product waspurified using flash column chromatography, eluting withmethanol/chlorofonn (5/95). There was thus obtained a white solidm.p. >200° C.; microanalysis, found; C, 58.8; H, 3.7%; C₁₆ H₁₁ N₄ O₂ Clrequires: C, 58.8; H, 3.4%; NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 4.00(s, 2H, ArCH₂), 6.79(m,1H, furyl-H), 7.32(d, 1H, furyl-H), 7.33(s, 4H, ArH), 7.75(brs, 2H,NH₂), 8.03 (d, 1H, furyl-H).

The starting material was prepared as follows:-

1) A mixture of [(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino]propanedioic acid, diethylester (53 g, 0.2M) and acetonitrile (1 litre) was stirred at ambienttemperature. Phosphorus pentoxide supported on silicon dioxide (90 g)was then added slowly with brisk stirring. The mixture was heated toreflux for 2 hours and then allowed to cool over 15 hours. A furtherportion of phosporus pentoxide supported on silicon dioxide (85 g) wasadded, the mixture refluxed for seven hours and then cooled over 15hours. The mixture was filtered through diatomaceous earth and thefiltrate evaporated under reduced pressure to give a yellow gum. More ofthis product was obtained by extraction of the filter solids with ethylacetate, followed by evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure.

The gum was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with ethylacetate/hexane (1:4). The resultant solid was recrystallised frommethanol/water to give 4-carboxyethyl-5-ethoxy-2-(2-furyl)-oxazole as asolid (12.5 g, 25% yield); NMR: 1.28(t, 3H, CH₃ CH₂ O) 1.40(t, 3H, CH₃CH₂ OOC), 4.25(q, 2H, CH₃ CH₂ O), 4.57(q, 2H, CH₃ CH₂ OOC), 6.71(m, 1H,furyl-H), 7.12(d, 1H, furyl-H), 7.92(d, 1H, furyl-H).

2) A mixture of 5-carboxyethyl-4-ethoxy-2-(2-furyl)-oxazole (4.0g,0.016M), p-chlorobenzylamidine hydrochloride (3.7 g, 0.016M), anhydrouspotassium carbonate (4.4 g, 0.032M) and dry dimethylformamide (80 ml)was heated at 100° C. under argon for 3 hours. The solvent was thendistilled off under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned betweenethyl acetate and water. The ethyl acetate layer was separated, dried,and concentrated to give an oil. This was purified by flash columnchromatography eluting with methanol/chloroform (1:9). There was thusobtained2-p-chlorobenzyl-4-ethoxy-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-6-hydroxypyrimidineas a pink/white solid (2.2 g, 35% yield) m.p. 91.5°-92.5° C.; NMR;1.20(t, 3H, CH₃ CH₂ O), 3.91(s, 2H, ArCH₂), 4.28(q,2H, CH₃ CH₂ O),6.65(m,1H, furyl-H), 7.71(d, 1H, furyl H), 7.42(s, 4H, ArH), 7.86(m, 1H,furyl-H), 9.02 (s, 1H, NHCO), 12.70(brs, 1H, OH).

3. A mixture of2-p-chlorobenzyl-4-ethoxy-5-(2-furanyl-carbonyl)amino-6-hydroxypyrimidine(2.2 g, 5.9 mM), dimethylaniline (1.12 ml, 9 mM) and phosphorusoxychloride (20 ml) was heated at reflux for 2 hours. The excessphosphorous oxychloride was distilled off under reduced pressure and theresidue azeotroped (x 2) with toluene. The residue was partitionedbetween ethyl acetate and water. The ethyl acetate extracts were driedand the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The resultant solid wasfurther purified by flash column chromatography, eluting withhexane/ethyl acetate (65:35). There was thus obtained7-chloro-5-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2-(2-furyl)--oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine (1.2g), which was used directly without being characterised.

EXAMPLE 4

A mixture of6-amino-8-(2-furyl)-2-[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)ethyl]amino-1H-purine (0.8 g,2.29 mM), anhydrous potassium carbonate (0.347 g, 2.52 mM), iodomethane(157 μl, 2.52 mM) and dimethyl formamide (20 ml) was stirred at ambienttemperature under an argon atmosphere for 15 hours. The solvent wasremoved by distillation under reduced pressure and the residue purifiedby flash column chromatography eluting with methanol/methylene chloride(1:20). A solid was obtained, and this was triturated with diethyl etherto afford6-amino-8-(2-furyl)-2-[2-(4-methoryphenyl-ethyl]amino-9-methyl-1H-purine(0.28 g) as a solid; m.p. 147°-149° C.; microanalysis, found: C,62.5; H,5.3; N, 23.2%; C₁₉ H₂₀ N₆ O₂ requires; C, 62.6; H, 5.5; N, 23.1%; NMR:DNSO-d⁶ ; 2.7-2.85 (t, 2H, CH₂ -CH₂), 3.35-3.55(q,2H,CH₂ N), 3.7-3.8(2s,6H, OCH₃, N-CH₃), 6.2-6.35(t,1H, CH₂ NH), 6.7(m,1H,furan-H),6.7-6.8(b,2H, NH₂), 6.8-6.9(d,2H, aromatic H), 7.0(d,1H, furan-H),7.1-7.25(d,2H, aromatic-H), 7.85(d,1H, furan-H).

EXAMPLE 5

A mixture of 2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine(4.0 g, 14.6 mM), 2-(1-ethoxy-1-imino)methylfuran hydrochloride (3.84 g,21.9 mM), dimethylaminopyridine (1.78 g, 14.6 mM) and dry pyridine (100ml) was heated at reflux, under an argon atmosphere, for two hours. Thesolvent was then removed by evaporation under reduced pressure and theresidue purified by flash column chromatography, eluting withmethanol/methylene chloride (1:25). There was thus obtained6-amino-8-(2-furyl)-2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-1H-purine as asolid (2.42 g, 50% yield) m.p 220°-222° C.; NMR: DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.7-2.9(t,2H,CH₂ --CH₂), 3.35-3.55(m,2H, CH₂ NH), 3.7(s,3H, OCH₃), 6.1-6.2(t, 1H,NH), 6.6-6.75(m,3H, NH₂ +furan 1H), 6.68-6.9(m,2H, aromatic-H), 7.0(d,1H, furan-H), 7.1-7.2(m,2H, aromatic-H), 7.8(s, 1H, furan-H),12.55-12.75(b,1H, NH).

The starting material was prepared as follows:-1) A mixture of4,6-diamino-2-methylthio-5-nitrosopyrimidine (10 g, 5.4 mM),4-methoxyphenethylamine (7.92 ml, 5.4 mM) and water (180 ml) was heatedto reflux for one hour. After cooling the red solid was separated byfiltration, washed with water, and dried. There was thus obtained4,6-diamino-2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-ethyl]amino-5-nitrosopyrimidine (13.4g, 84% yield). NMR: DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.7-2.85(m,2H, CH₂ --CH₂), 3.4-3.6(m, 2H,CH₂ --NH), 3.7 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 6.75-6.8(m,2H, aromatic-H), 7.05-7.25 (m,2H, aromatic-H), 7.4-10.5 (m,5H, NH₂ ×2, NH), m/e [M+H[⁺ 289.

2) A mixture of4,6-diamino-2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-ethyl]amino-5-nitrosopyrimidine (13.3g), absolute ethanol (150 ml) and water (150 ml) was heated almost toreflux. Sodium dithionite was added slowly, portionwise until the redcolour disappeared. The mixture was filtered hot. After cooling thesolid was removed by filtration, triturated with isopropyl alcohol, anddried to give 2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-4,5,6-triaminopyrimidineas a solid (8.2 g) m.p. 134°-138° C.; NMR: DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.65-2.85(t, 2H,CH₂ --CH₂), 3.25-3.5(t, 2H, CH₂ -NH),3.7(s, 3H, OCH₃), 6.45-6.65 (b, 2H,NH₂), 6.7-6.85(b, 1H, NH), 6.8-6.9 (d,2H, aromatic-H), 7.1-7.25(d,2H,aromatic-H). Also 2.8-4.0 (v.br, 4H, 2×NH₂).

EXAMPLES 6-9

The following compounds of formula I were prepared by a method similarto that described in Example 4, but using the appropriate purine andmethyl iodide.

EXAMPLE 6

6-Amino-8-(2-furyl)-2-[2-(4-methylphenyl)ethyl]amino-9-methyl-1H-purine;m.p. 158°-160° C.; NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.2-2.3 (s, 3H, CH₃), 2.7-2.9 (m, 2H,CH₂ --CH₂), 3.35-3.55 (m, 2H, CH₂ NH), 3.8(s, 3H, NCH₃), 6.3 (t, 1H,NHCH₂), 6.7 (m,1H, furan --H), 6.7-6.8(b, 2H, NH₂), 7.0(d, 1H, furan-H),7.05-7.2 (m, 4H, aromatic-H), 7.85-7.9 (d,1H, furan-H).

EXAMPLE 7

6-Amino-8-(2-furyl)-9-methyl-1H-purine; m.p. 260°-262° C.;microanalysis, found; C, 55.7; H, 4.3; N, 31.9%; C₁₀ H₉ N₅ O requires;C, 55.8; H, 4 2; N, 32.5%; NMR: DMSO-d⁶ ; 3.9 (s,3H, CH₃), 6.75(m, 1H,furan-H), 7.2 (d, 1H, furan-H), 7.2-7.4 (b, 2H, NH₂), 7.95 (d, 1H,furan-H), 8.2 (s, 1H, N--CH--N).

EXAMPLE 8

6-Amino-2-benzylthio-8-(2-furyl)-9-methyl-1H-purine; m.p. 49°-152° C.;microanalysis, found; C, 59.3; H, 4.4; N, 19.9%; C₁₇ H₁₅ N₅ OS, 0.5 H₂ Orequires C, 59.0; H, 4.6; N, 20.2%; NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 3.9 (s, 3H, N--CH₃),4.4 (s, 2H, SCH₃), 4.4 (s, 2H, SCH₂), 6.7-6.8 (m, 1H, furan-H), 7.1-7.2(d, 1H, furan-H), 7.2-7.55 (m, 7H, aromatic-H+NH₂), 7.95 (d, 1H,furan-H).

EXAMPLE 9

6-Amino-8-(2-furyl)-9-methyl-2-methylthio-1H-purine; m.p. >250° C.;microanalysis, found; C, 50.5; H, 4.1; N, 26.6%; C₁₁ H₁₁ N₅ OS requires;C, 50.6; H, 4.24; N, 26.8%; NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.5(s, 3H, SCH₃), 3.8-3.9 (s,3H, N--CH₃), 6.75(m, 1H, furan-H), 7.15 (d, 1H, furan-H), 7.3-7.5 (b,2H, NH₂), 7.9-8.0 (d, 1H, furan-H).

EXAMPLES 10-14

The following compounds were prepared following the method described inExample 5, but using the appropriate triaminopyrimidine.

EXAMPLE 10

6-Amino-2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-8-(2-furyl)-1H-purine,m.p. 209° C. (with decomposition); found; C, 55.9; H, 5.4; N, 20.2%; C₁₉H₂₀ N₆ O₃ (11/2 H₂ O) requires; C, 56.0; H, 5.7; N, 20.6%; NMR; DMSO-d⁶; 2.7-2.9 (t, 2H, CH₂ --CH₂), 3.4-3.6(m,2H, CH₂ NH), 3.37-3.8(d,6H,OCH₃×2), 6.6-6.7 (b, 1H, furan-H), 6.7-6.9 (m, 3H, aromatic-H), 7.0 (b, 1H,furan-H), 7.8-7.85(b, 1H, furan-H)>10(NH and NH₂). m/e [M+H]⁺ 381.

EXAMPLE 11

6-Amino-8-(2-furyl)-2-[2-(4-methylphenyl)ethyl]amino-1H-purine, m.p.235°-237° C. (with decomposition); microanalysis, found; C, 59.2; H,5.5; N, 21.4% C₁₈ H₁₈ N₆ O. 0.5CH₃ COOH, H₂ O requires; C, 59.6; H, 5.5;N, 21.9%; NMR: DMSO-d⁶ 1.85(s, 1 1/2H, 1/2CH₃ COOH), 2.25 (s,3H, CH₃),2.7-2.9 (t, 2H, CH₂ --CH₂), 3.4-3.55(q, 2H, NHCH₂), 6.1(t, 1H, NH), 6.65(m, 2H, NH₂), 7.0 (d, 1H, furan-H), 7.05-7.2 (m, 4H, aromatic-H), 7.8(m, furan-H).

EXAMPLE 12

6-Amino-8-(2-furyl)-2-[2-phenylethyl]amino-1H-purine, m.p. >240° C,;microanalysis, found; C, 61.4; H, 4.9; N, 25.2%; C₁₇ H₁₆ N₆ O (0.6 H₂ O)requires; C, 61.7; H, 5.5; N, 25.3%; NMR: DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.85 (m, 2H, CH₂Ph), 3.50 (m, 2H, CH₂ NH), 6.1-6.25 (b, 1H, NH), 6.55-6.75(b, 3H, NH₂+furan-H), 6.95(d, 1H, furan-H), 7.15-7.4(m, 5H, aromatic H), 7.8(s, 1H,furan-H), 12.6 (b, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 13

6-Amino-2-benzylthio-8-(2-furyl)-1H-purine; m.p. 234° C. (withdecomposition); microanalysis, found; C, 59.5; H, 4.1;. N, 21.3%; C₁₆H₁₃ N₅ OS requires; C, 59.4; H, 4.1; N, 21.7%; NMR; DMSO-d₆ ; 4.3-4.4(s,2H, CH₂ --S), 6.7(m, 1H, furan H), 7.1(d, 1H, furan-H), 7.15-7.5 (m, 7H,aromatic-H+NH₂), 7.9 (d, 1H, furan-H), 13.1-13.4 (brs, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 14

6-Amino-8-(2-furyl)-2-methylthio-1H-purine; m.p. >250° C.; NMR; DMSO-d⁶; 2.4-2.5 (s, 3H, SCH₃), 2.8-3.8 (br, 1H, NH), 6.7(d,1H, furan-H), 7.1(d, 1H, furan-H), 7.1-7.25 (s, 2H, NH₂), 7.8-7.9(d, 1H, furan-H).

The starting materials for Examples 10, 11, 12 were prepared asdescribed in Example 5 starting from4,6-diamino-2-methylthio-5-nitrosopyrimidine.4,6-diamino-2-(2-phenylethyl)amino-5-nitrosopyrimidine; m/e [M+H]³⁰ 259;4,6-diamino-2-[2-(3,4-dimethyoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-5-nitrosopyrimidinem/e [M+H]⁺ 319;4,6-diamino-2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-5-nitrosopyrimidine;2-(2-phenylethyl)amino-4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine; m/e [M+H]⁺ 245;2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine; m/e[M+H]⁺ 305; and2-[2-(4-methylphenyl)ethyl]amino-4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine; m/e [M+H]⁺258.

EXAMPLE 15

A mixture of4-amino-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenyl)ethylpyrimidine(0.4 g) and phosphorus oxychloride (5 ml) was heated at reflux for 30minutes. The excess phosphorus oxychloride was removed by distillationunder reduced pressure followed by azeotroping with toluene (×2). Themixture was separated between chloroform and water. The organic layerwas separated, dried and the solvent distilled off under reducedpressure. The solid produced was purified by flash column chromatographyeluting with methanol/methylene chloride (3:97). There was thus produced7-amino-2-(2-furyl)-5-(2-phenyl)ethyloxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine (0.18 g,50% yield); m.p. 206°-208° C.; microanalysis, found: C, 66.0; H, 4.6; N,18.2%; C₁₇ H₁₄ N₄ O₂ (0.25H₂ O) requires: C, 65.7; H, 4.7; N, 18.0%:NMR; DMSO-d₆ ; 2.9-3.15(m,4H, CH₂ ×2), 6.8(m, 1H, furan-H), 7.1-7.3 (m,5H, aromatic-H), 7.35 (m, 1H, furan-H), 7.65-7.75 (b, 2H, NH₂), 6.0(m,1H, furan-H).

The starting material was prepared as follows:-

a) A mixture of sodium (0.25 g, 10.8 mM) and ethanol (30 ml) was stirredat ambient temperature under an argon atmosphere until all the metal haddissolved. 2-Phenylethylamidine hydrochloride (1.0 g, 5.43 mM) was addedand the mixture stirred for 0.5 hours. Ethyl cyanoglyoxalate-2-oxime(0.77 g, 5.43 mM) was added and the mixture refluxed for 15 hours. Aftercooling, sodium ethoxide in ethanol (5.43 mM) was added and the mixturerefluxed for a further 2.5 hours. After cooling, the solid produced wasremoved by filtration. The liltrate was distilled at reduced pressureand the residue triturated with hot water. The solid residue wascrystallised from methanol/methylene chloride (8:92). There was thusobtained 4-amino-6-hydroxy-5-nitroso-2-(2-phenyl)ethylpyrimidine (1.9 g,30% yield) NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.65-2.85 (m, 2H, CH₂ --CH₂), 2.85-3.1 (m,2H,CH₂ --CH₂), 7.15-7.4 (m, 5H, aromatic-H), exchangeables under broadpeaks.

b) A mixture of 4-amino-6-hydroxy-5-nitroso-2-(2-phenyl)-ethylpyrimidine(1.1 g, 4 mM), ethanol (15 ml) and water (35 ml) was heated to approx60° C. Sodium dithionite was added slowly, portionwise until the greencolour had disappeared. The mixture was then allowed to cool,concentrated to half the original volume, and cooled again. A pale beigeprecipitate was formed and was removed by filtration, washed with water,and dried. There was thus produced4,5-diamino-6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenyl)ethylpyrimidine (0.7 g, 70% yield).NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.6-2.8 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.8-3.05(m, 2H, CH₂), 3.3-3.8(b,2H, NH₂), 5.5(s, 2H, NH₂), 7.1-7.4 (m, 5H, aromatic-H), 11.4-11.75(b,1H, OH).

c) To a mixture of 4,5-diamino-6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenyl)-ethylpyrimidine(0.55 g, 2.39 mM) and chloroform (40 ml) under an argon atmosphere, wasadded triethylamine (365μl, 2.63 mM) and then 2-furoyl chloride (258μl,2.63mM) slowly over 0.25 hours. The mixture was stirred at ambienttemperature for 15 hours. Water (50 ml) was then added. The organiclayer was separated, and the solvent removed by distillation underreduced pressure. There was thus produced4-amino-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenyl)ethylpyrimidine (0.6 g) as a solid; m.p. >240° C.: NMR: DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.7 (m, 2HAr-CH₂), 2.95(m, 2H, CH₂ N), 6.2 (s, 2H, NH₂), 6.6 (m, 1H, furan-H), 7.3(m, 1H, furan-H), 7.7(m, 5H, aromatic-H), 7.8 (m, 1H, furan-H), 8.7 (s,1H, OH), 11.7 (b, 1H, NH--CO).

EXAMPLE 16

A mixture of 7-ethoxy-5-methyl-2-(2-furyl)-oxazolo[5,4-d] pyrimidine(0.6 g) and ethanol (saturated with ammonia) (20 ml) in a sealed tubewas heated in an autoclave at 120° C. for 18 hours. After cooling, thesolvent was distilled off under reduced pressure and the residue waspurified by flash column chromatography, eluting with ethylacetate/hexane (1:1), and was then further purified by flash columnchromatography eluting with ammonia/methanol/methylene chloride(1:5:94). There was thus produced7-amino-5-methyl-2-(2-furyl)-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine (0.25 g) m.p.195°-196° C.; microanalysis, found; C,55.2; H, 3.6; N, 25.6%; C₁₀ H₈ N₄O₂ requires; C, 55.6; H, 3.7; N, 25 9%; NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.4 (s, 3H, CH₃),6.8 (m, 1H, furan-H), 7.3 (d, 1H, furan-H), 7.55-7.75 (b, 2H, NH.sub.2), 8.0 (m, 1H, furan --H).

The starting material was prepared as follows:

a) A mixture of 5-carboxyethyl-4-ethoxy-2-(2-furyl)-oxazole (1.02 g, 4mM) acetamidine nitrate (0.53 g, 4.4 mM), sodium carbonate (475 mg, 4.4mM) and acetonitrile (30 ml) was heated at reflux for 4 hours. Aftercooling the mixture was concentrated. The residual syrup was dissolvedin ethyl acetate and washed with dilute sodium hydroxide (3×50 ml). Theaqueous extracts were combined, acidified with dilute hydrochloric acidand cooled. The resultant solid was filtered, washed with water anddried. There was thus produced4-ethoxy-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-6-hydroxy-2-methylpyrimidine (0.5 g,46% yield); microanalysis, found; C, 54.8; H, 5.1; N, 15.5%; C₁₂ H₁₃ N₃O₄ requires; C, 54.8; H, 5.0; N, 16.0%.

b) A mixture of4-ethoxy-5-(2-furanylcarbonyl)amino-6-hydroxy-2-methylpyrimidine (2.07g, 7.87 mM), phosphorus oxychloride (30 ml) and dimethylaniline (1.5 ml,11.7 mM) was heated at reflux for one hour. After cooling, the excessphosphorus oxychloride was removed by distillation under reducedpressure. Ethanol was then added, and the mixture partitioned betweenmethylene chloride and water. The organic layer was separated, washedwith sodium bicarbonate, water, dilute hydrochloric acid, water, anddried. The solvent was then removed by distillation under reducedpressure. Ethanol (10 ml) was added and the solid filtered off. Thissolid was further purified by flash column chromatography eluting withethyl acetate/hexane (1:3). There was thus produced7-ethoxy-5-methyl-2-(2-furyl)-oxazolo[5,4-d]pyrimidine (1.49 g, 77%yield); m.p. 104°-105.5° C.

EXAMPLE 17

A mixture of 5-amino-4-cyano-2-(2-furyl)oxazole (2.33 g), cyanogenbromide (1.41 g), potassium cyanide (0.86 g), dimethylformamide (25 ml)and potassium t-butoxide (1.8 g) was stirred at 60° C. for 3 hours. Thesolvent was distilled off under reduced pressure and the residuepurified by flash column chromatography eluting with ethylacetate/hexane (40:60). The resultant solid was recrystallised fromethyl acetate/hexane. There was thus obtained7-amino-5-cyano-2-(2-furyl)-oxazolo-[5,4-d]pyrimidine (75 mg); m.p.260°-262° C.; microanalysis, found; C, 52.9; H, 2.2; N, 30.6%; C₁₀ H₅ N₅O₂ requires; C, 52.9; H, 2.2; N, 30.8%.

EXAMPLE 18

A mixture of 5-amino-4-cyano-2-(2-furyl)oxazole (190 mg, 1.1 mM),formamidine acetate (1.1 g, 11 mM) and dimethylformamide (10 ml) washeated at 100° C. under an atmosphere of argon for twenty minutes. Thesolvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure and ethanol(5 ml) added to the residue. The solid was separated by filtration.There was thus obtained 7-amino-2-(2-furyl)oxazolo-[5,4-d]pyrimidine(0.19 g) m.p. >250° C.; microanalysis, found; C, 53.6; H, 2.8; N, 27.6%;C₉ H₆ N₄ O₂ requires; C, 53.5; H, 3.0; N, 27.7%.

EXAMPLE 19

A mixture of2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine (0.5 g,1.6 mM), furyl-2-glyoxal (0.2 g, 1.6 mM), ethanol (20 ml) and water (20ml) was warmed at 60° C. for 0.5 hours. The solvents were removed bydistillation under reduced pressure. The resultant syrup was purified byflash column chromatography eluting with methylene chloride containingslowly increasing amounts of methanol (0-6%). After removal of thesolvent, a syrup was obtained and this was triturated with ethyl acetateand then methanol to give a solid. There was thus obtained4-amino-2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-7-(2-furyl) pteridine(0.244 g) m.p. 200°-201° C.; microanalysis, found; C, 60.8; H, 5.3; N,20.6; C₂₀ H₂₀ N₆ O₃ +0.25 H₂ O requires; C, 60.45; H, 5.2; N, 21.0%;NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.75-2.9 (t, 2H, CH₂ --CH₂), 3.5-3.7 (q, 2H, CH₂ --NH),3.7-3.8 (d, 6H, OCH3×2), 6.7-6.95 (m, 4H, aromatic-H (×3)+furan-H),6.95-7.1 (b, 1H, NH), 7.35-7.65 (m,3H, NH₂ +furan H), 8.0 (d, 1H,furan-H), 8.65 (s, 1H, pteridine-H); m/e [M+H]⁺ 393.

EXAMPLES 20-22

The following compounds were prepared by a method similar to thatdescribed in Example 19, but using the appropriate triaminopyrimidine:

EXAMPLE 20

4-amino-2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-7-(2-furyl)-pteridine; m.p210°-214° C. (with decomposition); NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.75-2.95 (t, 2H, CH₂--CH₂), 3.45-3.65(q, 2H, CH₂ NH), 3.7 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 6.7 (m, 1H,furan-H), 6.8-6.9 (d, 2H, aromatic-H), 7.0-7.1 (b, 1H, NH), 7.1-7.2 (d,2H, aromatic-H), 7.35-7.5 (b, 1H, furan-H), 7.5-7.65 (b, 2H, NH₂), 8.0(s, 1H, furan-H), 8.65 (s, 1H, pteridine-H). m/e [M+H]⁺ 363.

EXAMPLE 21

4-amino -2-[2-(4-methylphenyl)ethyl]amino-7-(2-furyl)-pteridine; m.p.153°-154° C.; NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.3(s, 3H, CH₃) 2.85-2.95(t, 2H, CH₂--CH₂), 3.65-3.75(t, 2H, CH₂ NH), 6.75(m, 1H, furan H), 7.1-7.25(q, 4H,aromatic-H), 7.5 (d, 1H, furan-H), 7.8-8.2 (b, 3H, NH₂ +furan-H), 8.8(s,1H, pteridine-H); m/e [M+H]⁺ 347.

EXAMPLE 22

4-Amino-2-methylthio-7-(2-furyl)pteridine. m.p. >250° C.; NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ;2.55 (s,3H, SCH₃), 6.8(m, 1H, furan-H), 7.6 (d, 1H, furan-H), 8.05 (m,1H, furan-H), 8.1-8.25 (b, 2H, NH₂), 9.0 (s, 1H, pteridine-H); m/e[M+H]⁺ 260.

EXAMPLE 23

A mixture of2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-4,5,6-triaminopyrimidine (1.0 g,3.2 mM), furyl-2-glyoxol (0.4 g, 3.2 mM), ethanol (30 ml) and 2Msulphuric acid (30ml) was heated at 60° C. for 1.5 hours. After coolingthe solution was adjusted to PH 14 using dilute sodium hydroxidesolution. The mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organicextracts were combined, dried, the solvent evaporated under reducedpressure. The resultant solid was triturated with methanol. There wasthus produced4-amino-2-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-6-(2-furyl)-pteridine(0.85 g) m.p. 178°-180° C.; microanalysis, found; C, 59.1; H, 4.9; N,20.7%; C₂₀ H₂₀ N₆ O₃ +0.75 H₂ O requires; C, 59.1; H, 5.17; N, 20.7;NMR; DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.75-2.9 (t, 2H, CH₂ --CH₂), 3.5-3.7 (b, 2H, CH₂ --NH),3.7-3.8 (d, 6H, OCH₃ ×2), 6.7 (m, 1H, furan-H), 6.7-6.9 (m, 3H,aromatic-H), 7.1 (b, 1H, NH), 7.3 (d, 1H, furan-H), 7.5-7.7 (b, 2H,NH₂), 7.85 (d, 1H, furan-H), 9.05 (s, 1H, pteridine-H); m/e [M+H]⁺ 393.

EXAMPLES 24-26

The following compounds were prepared by a method similar to thatdescribed in Example 23 but using the appropriate triaminopyrimidine:-

EXAMPLE 24

Preparation worked up without basification. There was thus produced4-amino-2-[2-(4-methylphenyl)ethyl]amino-6-(2-furyl)-pteridine m.p.246°-248° C. (with decomposition); microanalysis; found; C, 46.2; H,4.0; N, 16.4; S, 9.8%; C₁₉ H₁₈ N₆ O+1.5H₂ SO₄ requires; C, 46.2; H, 4.3;N, 17.0; S, 9.8%; NMR: DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.3(s,3H, CH₃), 2.8-2.95(m, 2H, CH₂--CH₂), 3.6-3.8 (b, 2H, CH₂ NH), 6.8 (m, 1H, furan-H), 7.05-7.25(m, 4H,aromatic-H), 7.5 (d, 1H, furan-H), 7.9-8.0 (b, 1H, furan-H) , 8.8-9.0(b, 1H, NH), 9.2 (b, 1H, pteridine-H), 9.25-9.6 (b, 2H, NH₂). m/e [M+H]⁺347.

EXAMPLE 25

4-Amino-2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino-6-(2-furyl)-pteridine; m.p.212°-214° C.; NMR: DHSO-d⁶ ; 2.75-2.9 (t, 2H CH₂ --CH₂) 3.45-3.6 (q, 2H,CH₂ NH), 3.7 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 6.7 (m, 1H, furan-H), 6.6-6.7 (d, 2H,aromatic-H), 7.1 (b, 1H, NH), 7.15-7.25 (d, 2H, aromatic-H), 7.3 (d, 1H,furan-H), 7.5-7.7 (b, 2H, NH₂), 7.85 (m, 1H, furan-H), 9.05 (s, 1H,pteridine-H). m/e [M+H]⁺ 363.

EXAMPLE 26

4-Amino-2-methylthio-6-(2-furyl)-pteridine; m.p. 200° C.; microanalysis;found; C, 49.5; H, 3.6; N, 25.7%; C₁₁ H₉ N₅ O S (0.5H₂ O) requires; C,49.3; H, 3.7; N, 26.1%; NMR: DMSO-d⁶ ; 2.55 (s 3H, SCH₃) 6.75 (m, 1H,furan-H), 7.5 (d, 1H, furan-H), 7.95 (d, 1H, furan-H) 8.1-8.4 (b, 2H,NH₂), 9.3 (s, 1H, pteridine-H).

EXAMPLE 27

The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage formscontaining a compound of formula I, for example as illustrated in any ofthe previous Examples, (hereafter referred to as "compound X"), fortherapeutic or prophylactic use in humans:-

    ______________________________________                                        (a)   Tablet                mg/tablet                                         ______________________________________                                              Compound X            50                                                      Lactose Ph.Eur        223.75                                                  Croscamellose sodium  6.0                                                     Maize starch          15.0                                                    Polyvinylpyrrolidone (5% w/v paste)                                                                 2.25                                                    Magnesium stearate    3.0                                               ______________________________________                                        (b)   Capsule               mg/capsule                                        ______________________________________                                              Compound X            10                                                      Lactose Ph.Eur        488.5                                                   Magnesium stearate    1.5                                               ______________________________________                                    

The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures wellknown in the pharmaceutical art. The tablets may be enteric coated byconventional means, for example to provide a coating of celluloseacetate phthalate. ##STR2##

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of the formula I wherein:R¹ ishydrogen, (1-6C)alkyl, or (1-4C)alkanoyl; R² is hydrogen, cyano or agroup of formula R³ X; R³ (when not as hereinbelow defined together withX) is (3-12C)cycloalkyl, (3-6C)alkenyl, phenyl(3-6C)alkenyl, 5- or6-membered heteroaryl, optionally substituted (1-6C)alkyl or optionallysubstituted phenyl, said optionally substituted alkyl beingunsubstituted or substituted by one of (3-6C)cycloalkyl, optionallysubstituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, optionally substituted phenyland a group of formula R⁴ (CO)_(n) X_(a) (CO)_(m) in which R⁴ is(1-6C)alkyl, (3-6C)cycloalkyl, optionally substituted phenyl oroptionally substituted phenyl(1-4C)alkyl, n and m are each 0 or 1,provided that n+m is 0 or 1, and that when m is 0, X and X_(a) areseparated by at least two carbon atoms, X_(a) is oxy, thio, sulphinyl,sulphonyl or an imino group of formula --NRb in which Rb is hydrogen,(1-6C)alkyl or together with R⁴ and the adjacent nitrogen atom forms a 4to 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring, said optionally substituted5- or 6-membered heteroaryl being unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2of (1-4C)alkyl, (1-4C)alkoxy and halogeno, and any of said optionallysubstituted phenyl being unsubstituted or substituted by(1-4C)alkylenedioxy or by 1,2 or 3 of halogeno, cyano, trifluoromethyl,(1-4C)alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxy, hydroxymethyl, amino,(1-4C)alkanoylamino, (1-4C)alkoxymethyl, (1-4C)alkanoyloxy, benzyloxy,halogenobenzyloxy, (1-4C)alkylsulphonylamino,(1-4C)haloalkylsulphonylamino, nitro, and (1-4C)alkyl or alkoxyoptionally bearing a group of formula R⁵ CO in which R⁵ is (1-4C)alkoxy,(3-6C)alkylamino, (3-6C)cycloalkylamino or (N-(1-4C)alkyl) (N-(1-4C)dialkylamino(1-4C)alkyl)amino, and sulphamoyl of formula --SO₂.NR⁶ R⁷ inwhich R⁶ and R⁷ are independently hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl, or R⁶ ishydrogen and R⁷ is ((2-5C)alkoxycarbonyl)-(CH₂)q--, carbamoyl(CH₂)q or(N-(1-4C)alkylcarbamoyl) (CH₂) q, in which q is 0 or an integer of from1 to 4 or R⁶ is (1-4C)alkyl and R⁷ is di(1-4C)alkylamino (1-4C)alkyl;and X is a direct bond or oxy, thio, sulphinyl, sulphonyl or an iminogroup of formula --NRa-- in which Ra is hydrogen, (1-6C)alkyl ortogether with R³ and the adjacent nitrogen atom forms a 4 to 6-memberedsaturated heterocyclic ring; A is --N═CQ--NR⁸ --; Q is 2-furyl; and R⁸is hydrogen or (1-4C)alkyl; provided that when R¹ and R² are hydrogenand A is --N=CQ--NR⁸ --, R⁸ is not hydrogen; or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1, in whichR¹ is hydrogen.
 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1, in which said 5- or6-membered heteroaryl represented by R³ is selected from pyridyl,isoxazolyl and thiadiazolyl, and the 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl in saidoptionally substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl is selected fromfuryl, pyridyl and thienyl.
 4. A compound as claimed in claim 1 or claim2, in which R² is hydrogen, cyano or R³ X in which R³ is (1-4C)alkyl,(3-6C)alkenyl, pyridyl(1-4C)alkyl or phenyl(1-4C)alkyl optionallysubstituted on the phenyl moiety by 1 or 2 of halogen, hydroxy,(1-4C)alkanoyloxy, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy; and X is a direct bond,oxy, thio or NH.
 5. A compound as claimed in claim 4, in which R² is4-chlorobenzyl, 2-phenylethyl, 2-phenylethylamino,2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)ethylamino, 2-(4-methylphenyl)ethylamino,2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-ethylamino or 2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylamino. 6.A compound as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which R⁸ is hydrogen ormethyl.
 7. A compound as claimed in claim 1, in whichR¹ is hydrogen; R²is R³ X R³ is (1-4C)alkyl, (3-6C)alkenyl, pyridyl(1-4C)alkyl orphenyl(1-4C)alkyl optionally substituted on the phenyl moiety by 1 or 2of halogen, hydroxy, (1-4C)alkanoyloxy, (1-4C)alkyl and (1-4C)alkoxy; Xis a direct bond, oxy, thio or NH; A is --N═CQ--NR⁸ --; Q is 2-furyl;and R⁸ is hydrogen or methyl.
 8. A pharmaceutical composition, whichcomprises a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof as defined in claim 1, in a mixture or together with apharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier.
 9. A method ofantagonising one or more of the actions of adenosine in a warm-bloodedanimal requiring such treatment by administering an effective amount ofa compound of formula I as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.